September 2009
I know this pathway, having
marked its beginning,
cleared brush,
trampled fern,
widened and pruned passage.
I know its distance
and have watched its woodland grow
through changing seasons.
I know this pathway
yet still it
catches me unaware.
Adorned as if
commemorating
some grand festivity,
like miniature balloons
and graffiti
strewn in celebration,
the mushroom families
threw a surprise party
inviting a share in
their joy:
tiny, tenuous red caps,
fat stalked white torpedoes,
wide roofed browns and spotted
burgundy toadstools,
sheltering wouldbe gnome and fairy celebrants;
brilliant yellow clusters,
bunches of fluted gelatinous cones,
creamy, coffee, caramel, and
chocolate dyed sprouts
akin to ocean’s forested sponge and coral,
anemones surfacing together,
soft firmness pushing through
hard packed footfall and
mossy mantles
joining in the great parade of life
for their brief moment to offer their
gift of being.
Was this a planned affair
of perfect timing
invitations sent to
unknown recipients?
or simply serendipitous eruption of
season, temperature, moisture,
and light? All things together
in the right now
exploding in merriment?
For whom this exhibition? For what purpose
all these colors, sizes and textures?
Why this almost arrogant display of
fungicidal frivolity that
fades within few days?
We three are all who see
the grand exposition;
2 frequent walkers and
an oblivious, dancing, prancing
retriever delighting just to be.
Might there be other unseen
delighters in this festive fete?
I know this pathway having
walked here a thousand times yet
never before quite arrayed like today.
May the surprises of the journey
always hold some new delight.
In the assumptions of knowing,
may mysteries open spaces
for wonder and amazement,
gratitude and grace.
